Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin
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Structural Biology / Biochemistry

Structural Biology and Biochemistry of Metalloenzymes

Research focus: Bacteria and Archaea have the ability to use carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and numerous pollutants as carbon and/or energy sources. In order to activate and convert these inert compounds, the organisms use complex metalloenzymes that catalyse reactions under mild cellular conditions. For comparison, in a chemistry laboratory, similar reactions are only possible with valuable catalysts under high pressure and temperatures. How the metal-containing enzymes achieve this feast is hardly understood.

We use protein crystallography in combination with protein chemistry and molecular biology to study molecular energy conversions.

Our short term goals are to better understand the molecular basis of catalytic processes and the evolution of enzymes. Our long term goal is to evolve new (bio)catalysts for the energy-efficient use of CO2 and CO, as well as for the (bio)degradation of pollutants.